Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method, comprising: receiving, from a management device, a query interface to allow access to at least one smart device by another smart device, wherein the query interface includes query functions, each of which correspond to an authorization table stored on the at least one smart device; and opening, via the at least one smart device, based on a broadcast command stored in a blockchain, the query interface of the another smart device to monitor its security status by the at least one smart device.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: creating one or more updates for the at least one smart device; and storing the one or more updates in the blockchain.
A system and method for managing updates for smart devices using blockchain technology addresses the challenge of securely distributing and verifying firmware or software updates across distributed smart devices. Smart devices, such as IoT sensors, appliances, or industrial equipment, often require periodic updates to patch vulnerabilities, improve performance, or add features. However, ensuring the integrity, authenticity, and traceability of these updates in a decentralized environment is difficult. Traditional centralized update systems are vulnerable to tampering, single points of failure, and lack transparency. The invention provides a solution by leveraging blockchain to create, store, and distribute updates for smart devices. The method involves generating one or more updates for the smart devices, which may include firmware, configuration changes, or security patches. These updates are then recorded on a blockchain, a distributed ledger that ensures immutability and transparency. By storing updates on the blockchain, the system guarantees that updates cannot be altered without detection, providing a tamper-proof record of all changes. Additionally, the blockchain enables verification of update authenticity, ensuring that only authorized updates are applied to the devices. This approach enhances security, reduces the risk of malicious updates, and improves trust in the update process. The system may also include mechanisms for validating updates before deployment and tracking their application across multiple devices.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising updating the at least one smart device when it connects to the blockchain.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising: creating one or more additional control commands comprising updates to the authorization table; broadcasting the one or more additional control commands; storing the one or more additional control commands in the blockchain; and updating the authorization table to include the updates.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the control commands comprise one or more monitor instructions to be performed by the at least one smart device.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising: initiating the one or more monitor instructions; transmitting query messages to the at least one smart device; receiving monitor condition feedback data from the at least one smart device indicating that a monitoring threshold condition has been reached or exceeded; and responsive to receiving the monitor condition feedback, creating an alert notification to notify one or more interested parties.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising transmitting the alert notification to the one or more interested parties, wherein the alert notification comprises the one or more monitor instructions and query results based on the transmitted query message.
8. An apparatus, comprising: a hardware-implemented processor configured to: receive, from a management device, a query interface to allow access to at least one smart device by another smart device; wherein the query interface includes query functions, each of which correspond to an authorization table stored on the at least one smart device; and wherein the at least one smart device opens, based on a broadcast command stored in a blockchain, the query interface of the another smart device to monitor its security status by the at least one smart device.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the management device is further configured to: create one or more updates for the at least one smart device; and store the one or more updates in the blockchain.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the management device is further configured to update the at least one smart device when it connects to the blockchain.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the management device is further configured to: create one or more additional control commands comprising updates to the authorization table; broadcast the one or more additional control commands; store the one or more additional control commands in the blockchain; and update the authorization table to include the updates.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the one or more additional control commands comprise one or more monitor instructions to be performed by the at least one smart device.
This invention relates to a system for controlling and monitoring smart devices within a networked environment. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and centralized management of multiple smart devices, ensuring seamless integration and real-time monitoring capabilities. The apparatus includes a central control unit that communicates with at least one smart device, such as a smart thermostat, lighting system, or security camera. The control unit generates and transmits control commands to the smart device, enabling functionalities like adjusting settings, activating/deactivating features, or retrieving operational data. Additionally, the apparatus supports the transmission of one or more additional control commands, which include monitor instructions. These monitor instructions are executed by the smart device to provide real-time status updates, performance metrics, or diagnostic information back to the control unit. The system ensures that the smart device can both receive commands and report its status, enhancing user oversight and system automation. The apparatus may also include a user interface for configuring the control commands and monitoring the smart device's responses, ensuring intuitive and responsive device management. The invention improves the efficiency and reliability of smart device networks by enabling dynamic control and continuous monitoring.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the hardware-implemented processor is further configured to: initiate the one or more monitor instructions; wherein the apparatus further comprises: a transmitter configured to transmit query messages to the at least one smart device; a receiver configured to receive monitor condition feedback data from the at least one smart device that indicates a monitor threshold condition has been reached or exceeded; and responsive to the monitor condition feedback being received, the processor is further configured to create an alert notification to notify one or more interested parties.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit the alert notification to the one or more interested parties, wherein the alert notification comprises the one or more monitor instructions and query results based on the transmitted query message.
15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store at least one instruction that when executed by a processor causes the processor to perform: receiving, from a management device, a query interface to allow access to at least one smart device by another smart device, wherein the query interface includes query functions, each of which correspond to an authorization table stored on the at least one smart device; and opening, via the at least one smart device, based on a broadcast command stored in a blockchain, the query interface of the another smart device to monitor its security status by the at least one smart device.
16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15 , further configured to store at least one instruction that when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform: creating one or more updates for the at least one smart device; and storing the one or more updates in the blockchain.
17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15 , further configured to store at least one instruction that when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform updating the at least one smart device when it connects to the blockchain.
A system for managing smart devices using blockchain technology addresses the challenge of securely updating and verifying the integrity of smart devices in distributed networks. The system includes a blockchain network that maintains a decentralized ledger of device configurations, firmware versions, and update records. Each smart device is registered on the blockchain, and its current state is recorded as a transaction. When a smart device connects to the blockchain, the system checks the device's current configuration against the latest recorded version in the ledger. If an update is available, the system automatically retrieves and applies the update to the device, ensuring consistency and security across the network. The blockchain ensures that updates are tamper-proof and verifiable, preventing unauthorized modifications. The system also supports multiple smart devices, each with unique identifiers, and tracks their update history to maintain auditability. This approach enhances security, reduces manual intervention, and ensures that all devices operate with the latest authorized configurations. The solution is particularly useful in IoT environments where device integrity and secure updates are critical.
18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 17 , further configured to store at least one instruction that when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform: creating one or more additional control commands comprising updates to the authorization table; broadcasting the one or more additional control commands; storing the one or more additional control commands in the blockchain; and updating the authorization table to include the updates.
19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein the control commands comprise one or more monitor instructions to be performed by the at least one smart device.
20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 19 , further configured to store at least one instruction that when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform: initiating the one or more monitor instructions; transmitting query messages to the at least one smart device; receiving monitor condition feedback data from the at least one smart device indicating that a monitoring threshold condition has been reached or exceeded; and responsive to receiving the monitor condition feedback, creating an alert notification to notify one or more interested parties.
Unknown
February 9, 2021
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